Best of the Matterhorn Trek

The average distance and altitude gain each day is given below. Please note that times are approximate and will vary from group to group. Routes may also vary slightly if the guide deems it necessary due to conditions or the group's overall need.

Day 1 - 3hrs30mins, 4.5km, 815m ascent, 80m descent

Day 2 - 7hrs, 12km, 1250m ascent, 800m descent

Day 3 - 8hrs30mins, 17.2km, 980m ascent, 1060m descent

Day 4 - 4hrs30mins, 12.7km, 170m ascent, 1190m descent

The Best of the Matterhorn Trek is an intermediate hiking adventure with no special technical difficulties. You do not require hut-to-hut hiking experience, but it’s important that you be in good physical shape and be able to walk for several hours, and in uphill conditions.

It is recommended that you train for this trip and become comfortable carrying a rucksack weighing 5-7kg. A positive attitude will go a long way to helping you get the most out of this trip.

Our trip is designed for adults (18+). As long as you are fit and able, age doesn't matter. We accept children from 16 years with an adult.

This is the least challenging of the 4-day treks that we offer, but it does come with some exposure, so a head for heights is a benefit.

Your guide will meet you in Randa, in the Zermatt valley.

The best way to get to our meeting point in Randa is by train. These run regularly and connect to the mainline routes to Geneva and Zurich airports. Please use www.sbb.ch for information on trains.

Parking is also available should you wish to use it.

Our accommodation is in mountain huts along the route. Rooms are mixed, dormitory style with shared bathrooms. Private room supplements are not available on this trip. Showers, snacks and electricity are available, sometimes at an extra cost. Not all huts have wifi.

Evening meals are 3-course set menus. All huts do their best to meet dietary needs. Please let us know ahead of time so that we are able to communicate any requests with the huts. Breakfast is buffet style.

Everyone should be insured. If, in the event of an accident, you should need to be rescued from the mountain, the bills can add up to a small fortune. Even a quick visit to a hospital can be expensive if you're not insured. You should be insured up to 3000m.

There are no special permits or vaccines required for this trip. Should you require a visa to enter Switzerland, please ensure you arrange this in good time.

This hike is a summer season hike. The huts open on the final weekend of June, and generally close mid-September.

Of course! Our groups operate at a maximum size of 14. They are generally made up from a mix of small groups, couples and single travellers. You can select one of the published dates and inquire about availability with us. We will be able to tell you if there are still available spots on the dates that you are interested in and advise you about other group dates we may decide to open.

Be sure that you are prepared for bad weather. You should have good waterproofs and warm layers in your backpack. In many cases you will continue with the hike.

If the weather is bad, or the conditions aren’t adequate to carry out the trek safely, then you can choose an alternative or change the date of your trek. If these options don’t suit you, then you will get a partial refund minus the fees.

Documents

• Passport

• Travel insurance details

• Boarding passes for flights

• Cash – Euro and Swiss Franc 150 Euros and 150 CHF each person.

• Credit/Debit Card

Sleeping

• Sleeping bag liner (you can buy for 25 CHF from your guide)

Footwear

• Trekking boots: 3 or 4-season lightweight

• Lightweight shoes for the evenings (such as flip-flops, sandals, etc.)

Clothing

Please bring non-cotton, fast-drying clothing for trekking.

• 2 T-shirts for the hike

• 1 pair of hiking trousers: we recommend a pair that zip off into shorts.

• 4 pairs of socks for hiking

• 3 - 4 pairs of underwear

• Optional fleece

• Light, down or Primaloft jacket

• Rain and windproof jacket with hood

• Rain and windproof trousers

• Comfortable trousers for the evening

• 1 comfortable top for the evening

• Light Weight Hat and gloves

• Bathing suit (optional)

Other

• A daysack: 35 - 45 litres – all your kit should fit in this bag

• Walking poles. These are available to rent for 10 CHF. You can get them from your guide on arrival.

• Travel towel

• Dry Liner or Dry Bag

• Water bottle/s: At least 2L

• Sunglasses

• Sunscreen and additional sun protection such as a baseball cap or similar

• Personal medication – Inhaler, Blister pads, etc

• General toiletries, Contact lenses, and Glasses (if needed)

• Electronics - Phone, charging cable & USB plug (Swiss compatible ones are available to purchase)

• Lipsalve

Yes, you need to carry everything you require for the trip. There are no luggage transfers available on this trip. Should you have extra luggage it is possible to leave it with the hotel at our meet point. Your guide will help you to arrange this. Alternatively, if you are staying nearby before your trip, check if your accommodation will store you luggage for you.

The price to join the trek will vary depending on whether you join a group or decide on a private guiding option, you can find group prices detailed in the price section, and inquire with us about private guiding options.

Generally, joining a group is a great alternative for solo travelers and small groups of two or three people as it is cheaper and you get to share the adventure with other like-minded explorers. Private options are great if you would like a more personalized experience or if you are already traveling in your own group.

The group price for the Matterhorn trek includes the guiding service and half-board accommodation in the mountain huts along the way (breakfast + dinner).

The Matterhorn trek takes place over four days, which is the ideal time to really immerse yourself in the gorgeous Swiss Alps and truly enjoy all of the amazing places that we will visit on the way.

You can get to Randa from a variety of places. Lugano (LUG) Airport is 87.4 km away. Milan Malpensa (MXP) is 89.1 km away. Geneva (GVA) is 129.9 km away. Zurich (ZRH) is 161.4 km away.

During the hike, you will be staying in lovely and cozy mountain huts that are included in the price. Breakfast and dinner are included as well. If you have any dietary requirements, please let us know in advance.